“Both Chinese and Russian sides are actively preparing” for this event, “highly important not only for the two countries but for the whole world”, Denisov said, adding that daily consultations with colleagues from the Chinese foreign ministry were underway.

Denisov said that although more than 60 high-level officials were planning to attend the opening ceremony in Sochi, Xi Jinping’s visit “will certainly be of special meaning for the Russian people”.

Asked whether any agreements were planned, Denisov said he had seen no list of documents “ready for signing”. He did not exclude some agreements being signed but said “this is not the aim of the visit”.

“As I see it, the two leaders want to ‘synchronize watches’, exchange opinions on a wide range of issues in bilateral relations and on the international agenda, specify each other’s positions and launch the 2014 program of political exchanges and contacts that will develop accords to be reached in Sochi,” Denisov said.

Irrespective of the forthcoming visit, the ambassador added, work on agreements never ceased, which was evident even from the overall schedule of encounters.

Speaking of 2013 results in the two countries’ relations, Denisov highlighted “continuous dynamic development” and “its new features” as the year’s main achievements.